Moveable Device Support Apparatus

The present disclosure relates to a support apparatus for a monitor, and particularly, to a moveable device support apparatus.

Generally, a monitor includes main body having a display for displaying an image. A base is seated on a surface to support the main body. Often, the base is not moveable along the surface and repositioning of the monitor requires lifting the base from the surface. Additionally, repositioning of the monitor often requires the movement of cables connected to the monitor.

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a device support apparatus that is moveable relative to a support surface includes a rail extending under the support surface. A moveable bracket is coupled to the rail and configured to move along a length of the rail. An arm extends from the rail. The arm extends through a slot in the support surface from beneath the support surface to above the support surface and moves along a length of the slot as the moveable bracket moves along the rail. A device bracket is coupled to an end of the arm. The device bracket is configured to couple to a device.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the device may include an electronic device. Electrical cords of the electronic device may be passed through a channel formed in the arm. The channel may extend from a lower opening in a lower end of the arm that is positioned under the support surface and an upper opening in an upper end of the arm that is positioned above the support surface. The device bracket may be moveable relative to the arm to move the device relative to the arm. The device bracket may be coupled to an upper end of the arm. The moveable bracket may be coupled to a lower end of the arm. The moveable bracket may include at least one rolling mechanism that rolls along a surface of the rail. The at least one rolling mechanism may include at least one of a wheel and a ball bearing. A substantially frictionless connection between the moveable bracket and the rail may enable the moveable bracket to move along the length of the rail.

According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a support surface having a moveable device support apparatus includes a slot extending along a length of the support surface. A rail extends under the support surface. A moveable bracket is coupled to the rail and configured to move along a length of the rail. An arm extends from the rail. The arm extends through the slot from beneath the support surface to above the support surface and moves along the length of the slot as the moveable bracket moves along the rail. A device bracket is coupled to an end of the arm. The device bracket is configured to couple to a device.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the support surface may include a table top. The slot may include a deformable material to seal the slot. The deformable material may deform to allow the arm to move through the slot. The device may include an electronic device. Electrical cords of the device may be passed through a channel formed in the arm. The channel may extend from a lower opening in a lower end of the arm that is positioned under the support surface and an upper opening in an upper end of the arm that is positioned above the support surface. The device bracket may be moveable relative to the arm to move the device relative to the arm. The device bracket may be coupled to an upper end of the arm. The moveable bracket may be coupled to a lower end of the arm. The moveable bracket may include at least one rolling mechanism that rolls along a surface of the rail. The at least one rolling mechanism may include at least one of a wheel and a ball bearing. A substantially frictionless connection between the moveable bracket and the rail may enable the moveable bracket to move along the length of the rail.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

Referring to, a support surfaceis embodied as a desk. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the support surface is a table, a counter, a television stand, a work space, or the like. A device support apparatusis coupled to the support surfaceto support a device. In the exemplary embodiment, the deviceis a computer monitor. It will be appreciated that is some embodiments, the deviceis a picture or video display, such as an electronic picture frame, a monitor, or a television, or electronic equipment, such as music equipment, research equipment, scientific equipment, or the like.

The support surfaceis raised from a flooron legs or supportsso that a spaceis formed below the support surface. The device support apparatusincludes a railextending through the spaceunder the support surface. The railextends between a first endand a second end. A moveable bracketis coupled to the railand configured to move along a lengthof the railbetween the first endand the second end. In the illustrative embodiment, an adaptor or transformerof the deviceis coupled to the moveable bracketand configured to move with the moveable bracketalong the rail. A plug endof an electrical cordof the deviceextends from the adaptoris an configured to plug into a power outlet. For devicesthat do not include an adaptor, the electrical cordis coupled to the moveable bracket. The electrical cordmoves with the moveable bracket.

An armextends from the rail. More particularly, the armextends from a lower endbeneath the support surfaceto an upper endabove the support surface. The lower endis coupled to the moveable bracketso that the armextend from the moveable bracketand the armmoves along the lengthof the railas the moveable bracketmoves along the rail. A device bracketis coupled to the upper endof the arm. The device bracketis coupled to the device. In exemplary embodiment, the deviceis removeably coupled to the device bracket.

Referring now to, the support surfacehas a slotextending a lengthacross the support surface.illustrates another exemplary support surfacethat is curved and includes a curved slot. It will be appreciated that the support surface and the slot can have any suitable geometric configuration. The device support apparatusextends through the slot. In particular, the armextends through the slotfrom below the support surfaceto above the support surface. The armmoves along the lengthof the slotas the moveable bracketmoves along the railto move the devicerelative to the support surface. In some embodiments the slotincludes a deformable material to seal the slot. The deformable material deforms to allow the armto move through the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the slotis sealed with a rubber component or bristles that deform to allow the armto pass through the slot.

Referring now to, a channelextends from a lower openingformed in the lower endof the armand an upper openingformed in the upper endof the arm. The electrical cordof the deviceare passed through thechannel formed in the arm. A device endof the electrical cordextends through the channelfrom the adaptorto the device. For devicesthat do not include an adaptor, the electrical cordextends through the channelfrom the deviceto a plug. As illustrated in, the armrotated about an axisof the arm.

Referring to, the device bracketis coupled to the upper endof the armand the moveable bracketis coupled to the lower endof the arm. The device bracketincludes a cup connector. A mounting bracketis configured to couple to a back side of the device. The mounting bracketincludes a ball connectorthat is configured to position in the cup connectorof the device bracket. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the device bracketincludes the ball connectorand the mounting bracketincludes the cup connector. The connection between the device bracketand the mounting bracketenables the mounting bracket, and subsequently the device, to move relative to the armin three degrees of rotation. That is, the deviceyaws, rolls, and pitches relative to the arm.

Referring now to, the moveable bracketincludes at least one rolling mechanismthat rolls along a surfaceof the rail. In the exemplary embodiment, the rolling mechanismincludes wheelsthat are positioned above and below the rail. In some embodiments, the rolling mechanismincludes at least one ball bearing secured in the moveable bracketand configured to roll along the surfaceof the rail. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the moveable bracketincludes any suitable rolling mechanismfor moving along the rail. In some embodiments, the device support apparatusincludes a substantially frictionless connection between the moveable bracketand the railto enable the moveable bracketto move along the lengthof the rail.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles arc possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.